Archive for the ‘short stories’ Category

Weird West novelette “Old Habits” now available

Posted: August 31, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, horror, short stories, Weird West
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Surreal western book cover.

My Weird Western story, “Old Habits,” is now available in Queer Weird West Tales (QWWT)! Edited by Julie Bozza, the anthology is a diverse collection of international Weird West adventures.

“Old Habits” description

To save her girlfriend from a monster’s infectious venom, Topaz must confront her tumultuous past and ask the last person in the world she wants to see for help—her ex.

Topaz is a side character in my upcoming novel MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER. She was so dynamic and intriguing, she practically demanded a spotlight in her own story. This tale focuses on Topaz’s adventures after the novel, expanding on her newfound love as she faces a reckoning with her past.

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Free short story, “Death Felt Fine,” in DOSE OF DREAD

Posted: August 21, 2022 in Announcement, flash fiction, horror, short stories, writing
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My short fantasy flash story “Death Felt Fine” is available to read for free over at Dread Stone Press‘s Dose of Dread series. At 1000 words, it’s a quick tale, and follows Death’s mission to deal with the latest apocalypse even as he yearns for something more.

I love reading various interpretations of the Grim Reaper and Death. Probably one of my favorite depictions is from the Sandman series. In this tale, I pictured Death as a somewhat moody, nostalgic figure stuck in an eternal task along with his fated brothers and sisters.

Here’s a brief excerpt:

Hope you enjoy! For more of Dread Stone Press offerings, my short eco-horror story, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” appears in FIELD NOTES FROM A NIGHTMARE.

August news – recent short stories, book update, and more

Posted: August 18, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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With the end of summer comes a rush of news. Here’s a few updates!

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Scifi story “Cynscout” in the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) magazine

Posted: August 5, 2022 in Announcement, science fiction, short stories, technology, writing
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I’m honored to have my scifi story, “Cynscout,” debut in the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA)’s magazine! Edited by Eugen Bacon and Gene Rowe, Fission issue #2 Volume 1 is now available for purchase.

“Fission #2 Vol 1 deftly plays with the evocative and provocative. There are nuanced beats of light and dark, that entertain and exhilarate in perfect harmony. Highly recommended.”

–Andrew Hook, British Fantasy Award-winning editor and author of Frequencies of Existence 

“Cynscout” is about a fused owner-and-pet consciousness trying to survive the apocalypse and carry out their grim mission to usher in the end of the world. You can read an excerpt below.

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July news – scifi horror stories, book update, submission calls and more

Posted: July 20, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, books, horror, podcast, science fiction, short stories, submissions, Tips, Weird West, writing
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It’s been a busy summer, with lots of updates. Let’s dive in!

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Listen for free to short story “U TRAIN,” winner of horror podcast competition

Posted: July 15, 2022 in Announcement, flash fiction, horror, Lovecraft, podcast, science fiction, short stories
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Sley House Publishing presents its first-ever scripted audio drama, my weird horror short story, “U-Train.” I could not be more pleased with the voice actors and production. Big thanks to Sley House and the team! Read below for links to listen for free and a story description.

Listen for free:

“U Train” description:

Four strangers find themselves on a New York subway platform, waiting on a train that shouldn’t exist. But as they try to find out why they’re there and how they might escape, they realize that when the train arrives, a fate worse than death might be waiting for them.

The story was inspired by far too many hellish city commutes and what felt like eternal waiting for transfers!

“U Train” will also be available in Halloween Tales of Sley House 2022 later this fall along with other spooky stories. You can also listen to more of Sley House’s podcast, Sley Bits, on all things horror and fantasy – https://sleyhousepublishing.podbean.com.

If you are interested in discovering more weird horror stories, including receiving FREE short stories, sign up for my monthly newsletter: https://kcgrifant.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe

Alien horror story “Odd Colleagues” available in DARK MATTER Magazine

Posted: July 6, 2022 in Announcement, horror, science fiction, short stories
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Dark Matter Magazine‘s “symbiosis” themed issue 010 is out, with jaw-dropping standard edition and variant covers by Jeff Aphisit, as well as intriguing story artwork.

My scifi horror story, “Odd Colleagues,” about an insecure scientist and her encounter with an alien, debuts. The art accompanying my story gives “Invasion of the Body Snatcher” vibes!

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Tribute to Anne Rice Anthology Now Available

Posted: May 22, 2022 in Announcement, anthology, horror, short stories, writing
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I’m honored to be a part of DANCING IN THE SHADOWS, a tribute to one of my writing inspirations and favorite authors, Anne Rice. This anthology features dark and gothic stories inspired by her writings.

Edited by Elaine Pascale and Rebecca Rowland, all the proceeds from the anthology go Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), an organization created and dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the New Orleans area.

My quiet horror story “Unrest,” is about a violent tragedy at the local cemetery that needs to be avenged.

In the engrossing “ Unrest” by KC Grifant, the career and the life of a serial killer are abruptly stopped by a paranormal intervention.

–The British Fantasy Society
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Weird Horror Short Story “Crab Man” in Cosmic Horror Monthly

Posted: April 9, 2022 in Announcement, horror, Lovecraft, short stories, writing
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Cover of Cosmic Horror Monthly March 2022.

My short horror story “Crab Man” is now available in the March 2022 issue of the delightful Cosmic Horror Monthly magazine.

“Crab Man” is a tale of a city courier who crosses the wrong cult. A writer instructor likened the first draft to the kind of fever dream you might have after eating expired gas station sushi. If that’s not an endorsement for a weird story, I don’t know what is!

Excerpt of Crab Man

To read more, purchase Cosmic Horror Monthly’s March 2022 issue here!

Free Cosmic Horror Story “The Circus King” in Typehouse Literary Magazine

Posted: March 19, 2022 in Announcement, short stories, writing
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My quiet cosmic horror story, “The Circus King,” is now available in Typehouse Literary Magazine issue 24, which you can download and read for free here (pdf) or purchase a paper copy here.

After a sentient circus captures Evelyn and turns her into the Circus King, she must find out how to access her memories and escape the psychic hold of the entity that rules the show.

Typehouse Literary Magazine is a writer- and artist-run literary journal based in Portland, Oregon and founded in 2013. Edited by Val Gryphin, they aim to offer a fresh, unique perspective of the human experience, with a focus on underrepresented voices.

Excerpt:

Read more in Typehouse Magazine issue 24!

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